B-cell receptor complex binding proteins containing T-cell epitopes

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to a polypeptide comprising a) a binding peptide binding to at least one protein selected from the group consisting of CD22, CD19, CD20, and CD21, and b) an immunogenic peptide comprising at least one T-cell epitope for use in vaccination of a subject against B-cell hyperproliferation or for use in the modulation of the immune response in a subject. The present invention further relates to a polynucleotide and a vector encoding said polypeptide and a host cell comprising the same. It also relates to a method for the stimulation of antigen-specific T-cells, comprising a) contacting antigen presenting cells (APC) with a polypeptide, the polynucleotide, or the vector of the invention, b) contacting said APC with T-cells, and c) thereby stimulating antigen-specific T-cells specific for said at least one T-cell epitope; to a method for immunizing a subject against B-cell hyperproliferation, to a method for immunizing a subject against an infectious agent, and to a method for inducing tolerance in a subject.

The present invention relates to a polypeptide comprising a) a binding peptide binding to at least one protein selected from the group consisting of CD22, CD19, CD20, and CD21, and b) an immunogenic peptide comprising at least one T-cell epitope for use in vaccination of a subject against B-cell hyperproliferation or for use in the modulation of the immune response in a subject. The present invention further relates to a polynucleotide and a vector encoding said polypeptide and a host cell comprising the same. It also relates to a method for the stimulation of antigen-specific T-cells, comprising a) contacting antigen presenting cells (APC) with a polypeptide, the polynucleotide, or the vector of the invention, b) contacting said APC with T-cells, and c) thereby stimulating antigen-specific T-cells specific for said at least one T-cell epitope; to a method for immunizing a subject against B-cell hyperproliferation, to a method for immunizing a subject against an infectious agent, and to a method for inducing tolerance in a subject.

By immunization, a subject's immune system becomes fortified against an antigen. Especially the adaptive immune system, i.e. the part of the immune system that confers the capability of an individual's immune system to recognize, remember, and cope with potential pathogens, has been of strong medical interest (Kaech et al. (2002), Nature Reviews Immunology 2(4):251-62; Pulendran and Ahmed (2006), Cell 124(4):849-63). On the one hand, it has been extensively exploited in vaccination to confer immunity to otherwise potentially deadly disease. It has also been used with variable success to eliminate cancer cells through recognition of tumor antigens. On the other hand, attenuation of the adaptive immune system is of interest in diseases where a strong immune response is inappropriate, like e.g. in allergy, asthma, or autoimmune disease.

Despite the overall success of vaccination, there are several disease-causing agents, like viruses (e.g. human immunodeficiency virus, Epstein-Barr virus), Bacteria (e.g. Staphylococcus spec., Borellia spec.), eukaryotic pathogens (e.g. Trypanosoma spec.), but also cancer cells, that have escaped from becoming amenable for vaccination. The reasons for this are complex and depend to a large extent on the nature of the specific agent, but also on the physiological state of the individual to be vaccinated. For some disease-causing agents, methods to fortify the immune response during vaccination, like the use of virus-like particles instead of soluble antigen, inclusion of adjuvants, use of live vaccines, and the like, have been devised. It has also been proposed to boost the immune response by delivering suitable epitopes, which are typically peptides, to the professional antigen presenting cells, i. e. macrophages, dendritic cells, and B-cells.

The principal role of B-cells in the immune system is the production of antigen-specific antibodies upon their activation. Activation requires that the B-cell-receptor (BCR) on the surface of the B-cell becomes bound to its cognate antigen. This activation of the BCR leads to activation of the B-cell, which undergoes maturation and clonal expansion, after which part of the cells produced this way becomes plasma cells producing antibodies specific for said antigen. The BCR mediates this activation; it consists of a membrane-bound antibody molecule specifically able to recognize one antigenic structure, along with several co-receptors, including CD21 and CD19. Two other surface molecules of the B-cell, CD20 and CD22, are known to—at least temporarily—interact with the BCR and act as positive and negative regulators, respectively. Thus, they can be considered as being members of the BCR complex (BCRC) in a wider sense. Common to all four molecules is their internalization into cytoplasmic vesicles and their fusion with the endosome upon ligand binding.

Another important branch of the adaptive immune system are epitope-specific T-cells. In humans, these cells have a T-cell-receptor on their surface, the recognition domain of which is specific for a defined complex between an antigenic peptide (T-cell epitope) and a major histocompatibility complex (MHC) protein. If the T-cell-receptor is engaged in a cognate interaction, the T-cell becomes activated, multiplies, and performs its activatory or inhibitory task in the immune response.

The MHC molecules come in two forms: MHC class I are expressed on the surface of every human cell and present, essentially randomly, peptides derived from proteins present in the cell's cytosol; they, thus, give a continuous overview of the protein repertoire of the cell and allow for recognition of non-normal protein expression, e.g. during viral infection of the cell or in carcinogenesis. In order to recognize MHC class I molecule—peptide complexes, the T-cell receptor requires the CD8 surface protein as a co-receptor. There is thus a subclass of T-cells expressing the CD8 co-receptor, named CD8+-T-cells; their main but not exclusive function is to eliminate body cells presenting peptides that indicate potential pathogenic processes in said cell, e.g. virus infection, which is why they are also called cytotoxic T-cells.

MHC class II are expressed only on professional antigen presenting cells (APCs). On these, peptides are presented that are derived from proteins that were ingested by the APCs, mainly by endocytosis. Recognition of MHC class II requires the coreceptor CD4, which is expressed only on the surface of CD4+ T-cells. The primary role of these T-cells, also called T-helper cells, is the activation of CD8+-T-cells, macrophages, and B-cells. Delivery of suitable epitopes to APCs thus leads to presentation of these epitopes via MHC class II to helper T-cells, which in turn activates these T-cells and leads to the activation of the other branches of the immune system. Importantly, experimental evidence exists that co-engagement of the CD19/CD21 complex results in more rapid and efficient production of antigenic peptide/class II complexes as compared with engagement of the B cell receptor alone by the antigen (Fearon D T et al. (2000), Annu Rev Immunol 18:393-422).

Methods used so far to deliver epitopes to APCs have included incubation of APCs with soluble antigens, infection with live attenuated micro-organisms, infection with viral vectors derived from vaccinia or other viruses, and injection of DNA vaccines. Results with these methods were, however, not satisfactory in all cases.

Also, depletion or inhibition of APCs, especially B-cells, has been used to attenuate the adaptive immune response in diseases where there is an overreaction (e.g. allergy) or misdirected reaction (e.g. autoimmune disease). However, with the current treatments available, these diseases in many cases cannot be treated satisfactorily.

There is thus still an existing need for improved vaccines and other immune modulators. The technical problem underlying the invention can be seen as the provision of means and methods which allow for improved vaccination and immune modulation. The technical problem is solved by the embodiments characterized in the claims and herein below.

Therefore, the present invention relates to a polypeptide comprising a) a binding peptide binding to at least one protein selected from the group consisting of CD21, CD19 CD20, and CD22, and b) an immunogenic peptide comprising at least one T-cell epitope for the use in modulation of the immune response in a subject.

As used in this specification, the term “polypeptide” relates to any chemical molecule comprising at least a binding peptide and at least one immunogenic peptide as specified herein below. It is to be understood that the chemical linkage between the binding peptide and the immunogenic peptide(s) need not necessarily be a peptide bond. It is also envisaged by the present invention that the chemical bond between the binding peptide and the immunogenic peptide(s) is an ester bond, a disulfide bond, or any other suitable covalent chemical bond known to the skilled artisan. Also envisaged are non-covalent bonds with a dissociation constant so low that the immunogenic peptide(s) will only dissociate to a negligible extent from the binding peptide. Preferably, the dissociation constant for said non-covalent bond is less than 10⁻⁵ mol/l (as it is the case with the Strep-Tag: Strep-Tactin binding), less than 10⁻⁶ mol/l (as it is the case in the Strep-TagII: Strep-Tactin binding), less than 10⁻⁸ mol/l, less than 10⁻¹⁰ mol/l, or less than 10⁻¹² mol/l (as it is the case for the Streptavidin: Biotin binding). Methods of determining dissociation constants are well known to the skilled artisan and include, e.g., spectroscopic titration methods, surface plasmon resonance measurements, equilibrium dialysis and the like. Preferably, the chemical linkage between the binding peptide and the immunogenic peptide(s) is a peptide bond, i.e. the polypeptide is a fusion polypeptide comprising or consisting of the binding peptide and the immunogenic peptide of the present invention. Preferably, the polypeptide does not comprise one or more peptide sequences known to inhibit antigen presentation. Moreover, preferably, the polypeptide does not comprise genetic material, i.e. polynucleotides. In a preferred embodiment, the polypeptide consists of the components as described herein.

The term “binding peptide” as used herein relates to any peptide binding to at least one protein of the B-cell receptor complex (BCRC), wherein the proteins of the BCRC, preferably, are CD21, CD19 CD20, and CD22, with an affinity that permits internalization of said binding peptide by a B-cell. Preferably, the dissociation constant for the binding of said binding peptide to said protein of the B-cell receptor complex of less than 10⁻⁵ mol/l, less than 10⁻⁶ mol/l, less than 10⁻⁷ mol/l, less than 10⁻⁸ mol/l, or less than 10⁻⁹ mol/l. Preferably, the binding peptide is a peptide from the N-terminus of the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV, also referred to as Human Herpesvius 4) glycoprotein gp350/220 (gp350, gene: SEQ ID NO: 1, Genbank Acc No: NC_009334.1 G1:139424470, protein product SEQ ID NO: 2, Genbank Acc No: YP_001129462.1 GI:139424497), more preferably the binding peptide comprises the first 470 amino acids of the EBV gp350 or another CD21-binding peptide of EBV gp350. In another preferred embodiment, the binding peptide is an antibody binding to at least one of the B-cell receptor complex proteins (BCRC proteins) specified above. Preferred binding peptides are:

-   -   a mouse anti-human CD21 antibody, comprising a heavy chain (SEQ         ID NO: 25) encoded by Genbank Acc No: GQ850526.1 GI: 282721923,         SEQ ID No. 13, and comprising a light chain (SEQ ID NO: 26)         encoded by Genbank Acc No: GQ850527.1 GI: 282721925, SEQ ID No.         14;     -   a mouse anti-human CD19 antibody, comprising a heavy chain         variable fragment encoded by Genbank Acc No: X99230.1 GI:         1435158, SEQ ID NO: 37 (e.g. the heavy chain of SEQ ID NO: 27,         encoded by SEQ ID No. 15), and comprising a light chain variable         fragment encoded by Genbank Acc No: X99232.1 GI: 1435165, SEQ ID         NO: 38 (e.g. the light chain of SEQ ID NO: 28, encoded by SEQ ID         No. 16);     -   a mouse anti-human CD22 antibody, comprising a heavy chain         variable fragment encoded by Genbank Ace No: 577347 GI: 998423,         SEQ ID NO: 39 (e.g. the heavy chain of SEQ ID NO: 29, encoded by         SEQ ID No. 17) and comprising a light chain variable fragment         encoded by Genbank Ace No: S77340 GI: 998421, SEQ ID NO: 40         (e.g. the light chain of SEQ ID NO: 30, encoded by SEQ ID No.         18);     -   a mouse anti-human CD20 antibody, comprising a heavy chain         variable fragment encoded by Genbank Acc No: AY058907.1 GI:         16902039, SEQ ID NO:41 (e.g. the heavy chain of SEQ ID NO: 31         encoded by SEQ ID NO: 19) and comprising a light chain variable         fragment encoded by Genbank Acc No: AY058906.1 GI: 16902037, SEQ         ID NO: 42 (e.g. the light chain of SEQ ID NO: 32 encoded by SEQ         ID NO: 20).

As used herein, the term “antibody” relates to a soluble immunoglobulin from any of the classes IgA, IgD, IgE, IgG, or IgM. Antibodies against the BCRC proteins can be prepared by well known methods using a purified protein or a suitable fragment derived therefrom as an antigen. A fragment which is suitable as an antigen may be identified by antigenicity determining algorithms well known in the art. Such fragments may be obtained either from the polypeptide of the invention by proteolytic digestion or may be a synthetic peptide. Preferably, the peptide suitable as an antigen is located at the exterior of the B-cell in its natural context. Preferably, the antibody of the present invention is a monoclonal antibody, a polyclonal antibody, a human or humanized antibody or primatized, chimerized or fragment thereof. More preferably, the antibody is a single chain antibody. Also comprised as antibodies of the present invention are a bispecific antibody, a synthetic antibody, an antibody fragment, such as Fab, Fv or scFv fragments etc., or a chemically modified derivative of any of these. Preferably, the antibody of the present invention shall specifically bind (i.e. does not cross react with other polypeptides or peptides) to the BCRC protein of the invention. Specific binding can be tested by various well known techniques. Antibodies or fragments thereof can be obtained by using methods which are described, e.g., in Harlow and Lane “Antibodies, A Laboratory Manual”, CSH Press, Cold Spring Harbor, 1988. Monoclonal antibodies can be prepared by the techniques originally described in Köhler and Milstein (1975), Nature 256, 495; and Galfré (1981), Meth. Enzymol. 73, 3, which comprise the fusion of mouse myeloma cells to spleen cells derived from immunized mammals.

Preferably, the binding peptide is contiguous in amino acid sequence with the immunogenic peptide, i.e. the binding peptide and the immunogenic peptide form a fusion polypeptide. More preferably, the fusion polypeptide comprises an immunogenic peptide fused to a heavy chain or a light chain of an antibody. Most preferably, the fusion polypeptide comprises an immunogenic peptide from EBV EBNA3C fused to a heavy chain of a mouse antibody binding to a BCRC protein, e.g. the fusion protein of SEQ ID NO: 33 (anti-CD21 heavy chain fused to EBNA3C-5H11 epitope, encoded by SEQ ID NO: 21), SEQ ID NO: 34 (anti-CD19 heavy chain fused to EBNA3C-5H11 epitope, encoded by SEQ ID NO: 22), SEQ ID NO: 35 (anti-CD22 heavy chain fused to EBNA3C-5H11 epitope, encoded by SEQ ID NO: 23), or SEQ ID NO: 36 (anti-CD20 heavy chain fused to EBNA3C-5H11 epitope, encoded by SEQ ID NO: 24). It is, however, also envisaged by the present invention that, preferably, the binding peptide is contiguous in amino acid sequence with an adapter molecule binding the immunogenic peptide as described herein above. It is clear for the person skilled in the art that in such case the immunogenic peptide preferably comprises an adapter molecule suited to bind, covalently or non-covalently, to the adapter molecule fused to the binding peptide, e.g., preferably, the binding peptide is fused to a Strep-Tag and the immunogenic peptide is fused to Strep-Tactin.

The term “CD21” as used herein relates to the human cluster of differentiation protein 21, also known as complement receptor 2 (CR2) (Transcript variant 1: SEQ ID NO: 3, Genbank Acc No: NM_001006658.2 GI:260099695, protein product SEQ ID NO: 4, Genbank Acc No: NP_001006659.1 GI:54792123; Transcript variant 2: SEQ ID NO: 5, Genbank Acc. NM_001877.4 GI:260099700, protein product SEQ ID NO: 6, Genbank Acc No: NP_001868.2 GI:42544177). The term “CD19” relates to the human cluster of differentiation protein 19 (transcript SEQ ID NO: 7, Genbank Ace No: NM_001178098.1 GI:296010920; protein product SEQ ID NO: 8, Genbank Ace No: NP_001171569.1 GI:296010921). The term “CD20” relates to the human cluster of differentiation protein 20 (transcript SEQ ID NO: 9, Genbank Acc No: NM_152866.2 GI:68348720; protein product SEQ ID NO: 10, Genbank Ace No: NP 068769.2 GI:23110987). The term “CD22” relates to the human cluster of differentiation protein 22 (Transcript SEQ ID NO: 11, Genbank Acc No: NM_001771.3 GI:297374826, protein product SEQ ID NO: 12, Genbank Ace No: NP_001762.2 GI:157168355). It is envisaged by the present invention that the terms for the BCRC proteins CD21, CD19, CD 20, and CD22 shall also include homologs, orthologs, and naturally occurring variants (e.g. variants translated from splice variants) of the respective proteins in mammals.

The term “immunogenic peptide” as used herein relates to a peptide comprising at least one T-cell epitope. A T-cell epitope, as is known to the one skilled in the art, is a contiguous sequence of amino acids comprised in a peptide, which can be bound to a major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I or class II molecule to be presented on the surface of a cell (MHC-I) or of a professional antigen presenting cell (MHC-II). The skilled artisan knows how to predict immunogenic peptides presented on MHC-I or MHC-II (Nielsen et al., (2004), Bioinformatics, 20 (9), 1388-1397), Bordner (2010), PLoS ONE 5(12): e14383) and how to evaluate binding of specific peptides (e.g. Bernardeau et al., (2011), J Immunol Methods, 371(1-2):97-105). Preferably, the T-cell epitope is an MHC-II epitope. Preferably, the T-cell epitope is an epitope derived from a tumor antigen, i.e. an amino acid sequence comprised in a protein expressed essentially only in or on a tumor cell. In a preferred embodiment, the T-cell epitope is an epitope derived from a B-cell lymphoma tumor antigen. More preferably, the T-cell epitope is an epitope derived from a latent gene product of EBV. Most preferably, the T-cell epitope is an amino acid sequence comprised in one of the latent gene products of EBV known or suspected to contribute to cell transformation, i.e. one of the EBV EBNA2, LMP1, EBNA3A, -B and -C proteins (Long et al. (2011), Curr Opin Immunol 23(2):258-64). In a preferred embodiment, the T-cell epitope is a strong T-cell epitope as detailed herein below.

The term “modulation of the immune response”, as used in this specification, relates to inducing a change in the response of a subject's adaptive immune system by applying a polypeptide of the present invention. The modulation may be an activation, i.e. lead to an enhanced response to the T-cell epitope(s); or the modulation may be a repression, i.e. lead to a decreased response, e.g. tolerance, to the T-cell epitope(s). The modulation of immune response, preferably, effects amelioration of a disorder or disease or of symptoms accompanied therewith to a significant extent in a subject, or, also preferably, modulation of immune response effects retaining health with respect to disease or disorder for a certain period of time in a subject. Said effect of modulation of immune response as used herein also includes an entire restoration of the health with respect to the disease or disorder. It is to be understood that modulation of immune response as used in accordance with the present invention may not be effective in all subjects to be treated. However, the term shall require that a statistically significant portion of subjects suffering from a disease or disorder can be successfully treated or that a statistically significant portion of subjects of a cohort or population are effectively prevented from suffering from a disease or disorder or its accompanying symptoms. Whether a portion is statistically significant can be determined without further ado by the person skilled in the art using various well known statistic evaluation tools, e.g., determination of confidence intervals, p-value determination, Student's t-test, Mann-Whitney test etc. Preferred confidence intervals are at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 97%, at least 98% or at least 99%. The p-values are, preferably, 0.1, 0.05, 0.01, 0.005, or 0.0001. Preferably, the modulation of immune response shall be effective for at least 60%, at least 70%, at least 80%, or at least 90% of the subjects of a given cohort or population. Preferably, the modulation of the immune response is a vaccination against an infectious agent, vaccination against B-cell hyperproliferation, or induction of tolerance to an antigen causing autoimmune disease.

The term “infectious agent”, as used herein, preferably relates to a microorganism causing disease in a subject. Preferably, the infectious agent is a bacterium, an eukaryotic infectious agent, e.g. a Plasmodium spp., more preferably a virus, e.g. a Hepatitis virus or Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). In a preferred embodiment, the infectious agent is an agent causing chronic disease. More preferably, the infectious agent is an agent causing chronic and/or persisting infection. Still more preferably, the infectious agent is an agent causing chronic and/or persisting infection by modulation of least one antigenic determinant of said infectious agent. Most preferably, at least five, at least ten, at least fifteen, at least twenty modulated forms of the aforesaid antigenic determinants are known, preferably known to occur in a body of a subject. In a further preferred embodiment, the aforesaid modulated antigenic determinant is a polypeptide.

As used herein, the term “B-cell hyperproliferation” relates to an increased proliferation of B-cells as compared to normal. Preferably, B-cell hyperproliferation is EBV-associated diseases including infectious mononucleosis or post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD), or B-cell lymphoma.

As used herein, the term “inducing tolerance” relates to inducing a decreased response to an immunogenic peptide in a subject. Preferably, tolerance is induced in subjects suffering from or being at risk to suffer from an autoimmune disease. Also preferably, tolerance is induced to immunogenic peptides, the immune response against which is known to aggravate said autoimmune disease. Preferred autoimmune diseases are Multiple Sclerosis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, or Autoimmune Thyroiditis, or other autoimmune diseases for which immunoreactive T cell epitopes have been identified.

In further preferred embodiments, the present invention relates to a pool of polypeptides as defined herein below, a pool of polynucleotides as defined herein below, and to a pool of vectors as defined herein below.

The kind of modulation achieved by application of the polypeptide of the present invention depends on several factors: The type of APC has a marked influence on the outcome of the immune response; resting B lymphocytes typically induce tolerance whereas dendritic cells and activated B blasts such as immunoblasts induce activation. Therefore, targeting of activated B cells such as B cell lymphoma leads to T cell recognition and eventually to their elimination. In contrast targeting of resting B cells with an auto antigen leads to its tolerance. The dose of delivered antigens also plays an important role; very low and high amounts of antigens tend to induce tolerance, intermediate amounts lead to T cell activation. Furthermore, the immunostimulatory effects of antibodies or polypeptides that target CD19, CD21 or CD20 or in contrast the B immunosuppressive effects of antibodies directed towards CD22 will also influence the outcome of the antigen delivery.

The term “subject” relates to an animal, preferably a mammalian organism, with the capacity to generate an immune response to molecules foreign to the organism and comprising at least one BCRC protein. More preferably, the subject is a cattle, pig, sheep, horse, cat dog, mouse, or rat, most preferably a human being.

The definitions made above apply mutatis mutandis to the following:

The present invention also relates to a polynucleotide encoding a binding peptide covalently connected to the immunogenic peptide or with an adapter binding the immunogenic peptide.

The term “polynucleotide” as used in accordance with the present invention, preferably, relates to a polynucleotide comprising a nucleic acid sequence which encodes a fusion polypeptide comprising a binding peptide and an immunogenic peptide as specified herein above, or which encodes a fusion polypeptide comprising a binding peptide and an adapter peptide as specified herein above. Suitable assays for measuring the activities of the binding peptide and the immunogenic peptide mentioned before are described in the accompanying examples or in (Adhikary et al. (2006), J. Exp. Med. 203(4):995-1006; Busse et al. (2010), J. Virology 84(2):1139-47; Gurer et al. (2008), Blood 112(4):1231-9). A polynucleotide encoding a fusion polypeptide comprising the aforementioned peptides has been obtained in accordance with the present invention by cloning immunogenic peptides into polypeptides specifically binding proteins of the BCRC using well known techniques.

Thus, the polynucleotide, preferably, comprises the nucleic acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 21-24 encoding the polypeptide having an amino acid sequence as shown in SEQ ID NO: 33-36. It is to be understood that a polypeptide having an amino acid sequence as shown in SEQ ID NO: 21-24 may be also encoded due to the degenerated genetic code by other polynucleotides as well.

Moreover, the term “polynucleotide” as used in accordance with the present invention further encompasses variants of the aforementioned specific polynucleotides. The polynucleotide variants, preferably, comprise a nucleic acid sequence characterized in that the sequence can be derived from the aforementioned specific nucleic acid sequences shown in SEQ ID NO: 21-24 by at least one nucleotide substitution, addition and/or deletion whereby the variant nucleic acid sequence shall still encode a polypeptide comprising the activities as specified above. Variants include polynucleotides comprising nucleic acid sequences which are at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 98% or at least 99% identical to the nucleic acid sequences shown in SEQ ID NO: 21-24. Moreover, also encompassed are polynucleotides which comprise nucleic acid sequences encoding amino acid sequences which are at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 98% or at least 99% identical to the amino acid sequences shown in SEQ ID NO: 33-36. The percent identity values are, preferably, calculated over the entire amino acid or nucleic acid sequence region. A series of programs based on a variety of algorithms is available to the skilled worker for comparing different sequences. In this context, the algorithms of Needleman and Wunsch or Smith and Waterman give particularly reliable results. To carry out the sequence alignments, the program PileUp (J. Mol. Evolution., 25, 351-360, 1987, Higgins et al., CABIOS, 5 1989: 151-153) or the programs Gap and BestFit [Needleman and Wunsch (J. Mol. Biol. 48; 443-453 (1970)) and Smith and Waterman (Adv. Appl. Math. 2; 482-489 (1981))], which are part of the GCG software packet [Genetics Computer Group, 575 Science Drive, Madison, Wis., USA 53711 (1991)], are to be used. The sequence identity values recited above in percent (%) are to be determined, preferably, using the program GAP over the entire sequence region with the following settings: Gap Weight: 50, Length Weight: 3, Average Match: 10.000 and Average Mismatch: 0.000, which, unless otherwise specified, shall always be used as standard settings for sequence alignments.

A polynucleotide comprising a fragment of any of the aforementioned nucleic acid sequences is also encompassed as a polynucleotide of the present invention. The fragment shall encode a polypeptide which still has the activity as specified above. Accordingly, the polypeptide may comprise or consist of the peptides of the present invention conferring the said biological activities. A fragment as meant herein, preferably, comprises at least 50, at least 100, at least 250 or at least 500 consecutive nucleotides of the aforementioned nucleic acid sequence or encodes an amino acid sequence comprising at least 20, at least 30, at least 50, at least 80, at least 100 or at least 150 consecutive amino acids of the aforementioned amino acid sequence.

The polynucleotides of the present invention either essentially consist of the aforementioned nucleic acid sequences or comprise the aforementioned nucleic acid sequences. Thus, they may contain further nucleic acid sequences as well. Specifically, the polynucleotides of the present invention may encode fusion proteins wherein one partner of the fusion protein is a polypeptide being encoded by a nucleic acid sequence recited above. Such fusion proteins may comprise as additional part other polypeptides for monitoring expression (e.g., green, yellow, blue or red fluorescent proteins, alkaline phosphatase and the like) or so called “tags” which may serve as a detectable marker or as an auxiliary measure for purification purposes. Tags for the different purposes are well known in the art and comprise FLAG-tags, 6-histidine-tags, MYC-tags and the like.

The polynucleotide of the present invention shall be provided, preferably, either as an isolated polynucleotide (i.e. isolated from its natural context) or in genetically modified form. The polynucleotide, preferably, is DNA including cDNA or RNA. The term encompasses single as well as double stranded polynucleotides. Moreover, comprised are also chemically modified polynucleotides including naturally occurring modified polynucleotides such as glycosylated or methylated polynucleotides or artificial modified one such as biotinylated polynucleotides.

The present invention further relates to a vector comprising the polynucleotide of the present invention.

The term “vector”, preferably, encompasses phage, plasmid, viral or retroviral vectors as well as artificial chromosomes, such as bacterial or yeast artificial chromosomes. Moreover, the term also relates to targeting constructs which allow for random or site-directed integration of the targeting construct into genomic DNA. Such target constructs, preferably, comprise DNA of sufficient length for either homologous or heterologous recombination as described in detail below. The vector encompassing the polynucleotides of the present invention, preferably, further comprises selectable markers for propagation and/or selection in a host. The vector may be incorporated into a host cell by various techniques well known in the art. For example, a plasmid vector can be introduced in a precipitate such as a calcium phosphate precipitate or rubidium chloride precipitate, or in a complex with a charged lipid or in carbon-based clusters, such as fullerens. Alternatively, a plasmid vector may be introduced by heat shock or electroporation techniques. Should the vector be a virus, it may be packaged in vitro using an appropriate packaging cell line prior to application to host cells. Retroviral vectors may be replication competent or replication defective. In the latter case, viral propagation generally will occur only in complementing host/cells.

More preferably, in the vector of the invention the polynucleotide is operatively linked to expression control sequences allowing expression in prokaryotic or eukaryotic cells or isolated fractions thereof. Expression of said polynucleotide comprises transcription of the polynucleotide, preferably into a translatable mRNA. Regulatory elements ensuring expression in eukaryotic cells, preferably mammalian cells, are well known in the art. They, preferably, comprise regulatory sequences ensuring initiation of transcription and, optionally, poly-A signals ensuring termination of transcription and stabilization of the transcript. Additional regulatory elements may include transcriptional as well as translational enhancers. Possible regulatory elements permitting expression in prokaryotic host cells comprise, e.g., the lac, trp or tac promoter in E. coli, and examples for regulatory elements permitting expression in eukaryotic host cells are the AOX1 or GAL1 promoter in yeast or the CMV-, SV40-, RSV-promoter (Rous sarcoma virus), CMV-enhancer, SV40-enhancer or a globin intron in mammalian and other animal cells. Moreover, inducible expression control sequences may be used in an expression vector encompassed by the present invention. Such inducible vectors may comprise tet or lac operator sequences or sequences inducible by heat shock or other environmental factors. Suitable expression control sequences are well known in the art. Beside elements which are responsible for the initiation of transcription such regulatory elements may also comprise transcription termination signals, such as the SV40-poly-A site or the tk-poly-A site, downstream of the polynucleotide. In this context, suitable expression vectors are known in the art such as Okayama-Berg cDNA expression vector pcDV1 (Pharmacia), pBluescript (Stratagene), pCDM8, pRc/CMV, pcDNA1, pcDNA3 (InVitrogene) or pSPORT1 (GIBCO BRL). Preferably, said vector is an expression vector and a gene transfer or targeting vector. Expression vectors derived from viruses such as retroviruses, vaccinia virus, adeno-associated virus, herpes viruses, or bovine papilloma virus, may be used for delivery of the polynucleotides or vector of the invention into targeted cell population. Methods which are well known to those skilled in the art can be used to construct recombinant viral vectors; see, for example, the techniques described in Sambrook, Molecular Cloning A Laboratory Manual, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory (1989) N.Y. and Ausubel, Current Protocols in Molecular Biology, Green Publishing Associates and Wiley Interscience, N.Y. (1994).

Preferably, the vector is a vector mediating expression of the polynucleotide of the present invention in a host cell. The skilled artisan knows how to select combinations of vectors and host cells for propagation of a vector and/or for expression of a protein encoded by the vector.

Furthermore, the present invention relates to a host cell comprising the polynucleotide or the vector of the present invention.

A “host cell”, as used herein, relates to a bacterial, archaeal, or eukaryotic cell with the capacity to propagate the vector of the present invention and/or to produce a polypeptide encoded on the vector or the polynucleotide of the invention. Preferably, the host cell is a bacterial cell from the species Escherichia coli, a lepidopteran, a mouse, rat, or a human cell. Preferably, the host cell is a cell cultivated in vitro, more preferably a 293HEK cell. Also preferably, the host cell is an APC, more preferably a B-cell, most preferably an activated B-cell from a lymph node, a lymphoblastoid cell, a resting B-cell, or a neoplastic B cell, e.g. from a lymphoma.

The present invention contemplates a method for the stimulation of antigen-specific T-cells, comprising a) contacting antigen presenting cells (APC) with a polypeptide, the polynucleotide, or the vector of the present invention, b) contacting said APC with T-cells, and c) thereby stimulating antigen-specific T-cells specific for said at least one T-cell epitope.

The method of the present invention, preferably, is an in vitro method. Moreover, it may comprise steps in addition to those explicitly mentioned above. For example, further steps may relate, e.g., to isolating the antigen presenting cells (APC) for step a), or inclusion of T-cell stimulatory agents in step b).

The term “antigen”, as used herein, relates to the protein chosen as the source of the T-cell epitope of the present invention. The term “antigen specific T-cells” relates to T-cells presenting on their surface T-cell receptor molecules specifically recognizing, i.e. binding to, the T-cell epitope of the present invention presented in the context of an MHC molecule. Preferably, the MHC molecule is an MHC class II molecule; thus, preferably, the T-cell is a CD4+ T-cell.

The term “contacting” as used in the context of the methods of the present invention is understood by the skilled person. Preferably, the term relates to bringing a polypeptide, a polynucleotide, a vector, or a cell of the present invention in physical contact with a subject or, preferably, a cell, i.e. allowing the aforementioned components to interact.

As used herein, the term “antigen presenting cell” or “APC” relates to a B-cell or a follicular dendritic cell expressing at least one of the BCRC proteins on its surface. Preferably, the APC is a B-cell, more preferably an activated B-cell from a lymph node, a lymphoblastoid cell, a resting B-cell, or a neoplastic B cell, e.g. from a lymphoma.

Furthermore encompassed by the present invention is a method for immunizing a subject against an infectious agent, comprising a) contacting said subject with a pool of polypeptides, polynucleotides, or vectors of the present invention, and b) thereby immunizing said subject against an infectious agent.

As used herein, the term “pool of polypeptides” relates to a collection of polypeptides according to the present invention comprising at least two, at least three, at least four, at least five, at least ten, at least 20, at least 50, at least 100 different immunogenic peptides selected from a library of immunogenic peptides found in patients with a long-standing infection with a specific infectious agent. The skilled artisan knows how to establish said library of immunogenic peptides (Reineke, U., et al. (2002) J. Immunol. Methods. 267(1):37-51; Milosevic, S., et al. (2006), J. Virol. 80(20:10357-10364; Pedroza-Roldan, C., et al. (2009), 47:270-282). The terms “pool of polynucleotides” and “pool of vectors” are to be understood mutatis mutandis.

The present invention relates to a method for immunizing a subject against B-cell hyperproliferation, comprising a) contacting said subject with a polypeptide comprising a strong T-cell epitope as an immunogenic peptide, with a polynucleotide of the present invention comprising a sequence encoding a strong T-cell epitope, or with a vector of the present invention comprising a sequence encoding a strong T-cell epitope, and b) thereby immunizing said subject against B-cell hyperproliferation.

The term “strong T-cell epitope” relates to a T-cell epitope for which the probability that T-cells recognizing said T-cell epitope are present in a subject is high. Preferably, T-cells recognizing the strong T-cell epitope are present at a high frequency in a subject. Preferably, the T-cell epitopes are selected from the proteins of viruses commonly infecting said subject, or against which said subject has been vaccinated. More preferably, the strong T-cell epitopes are selected from viral proteins used for immunization. Most preferred strong T-cell epitopes are, for example, from EBV latent antigens such as the EBNA-3C 3H10 peptide (VVRMFMRERQLPQS, SEQ ID NO: 43).

The present invention also relates to a method for inducing tolerance in a subject, comprising a) contacting said subject with a tolerance-inducing polypeptide, with a polynucleotide encoding a tolerance-inducing polypeptide, or with a vector encoding a tolerance-inducing polypeptide, and b) thereby inducing tolerance in a subject.

The term “tolerance-inducing polypeptide”, as used herein, relates to a polypeptide of the present invention inducing a decreased response to an immunogenic peptide in a subject. Preferably, the tolerance-inducing polypeptide comprises a binding peptide recognizing CD22 as a binding peptide, more preferably, the tolerance-inducing polypeptide is an anti-CD22 antibody fused to an immunogenic peptide.

All references cited in this specification are herewith incorporated by reference with respect to their entire disclosure content and the disclosure content specifically mentioned in this specification.

Figure Legends:

FIG. 1: T cell assay performed with EBV-transformed B cells (LCLs) used as antigen-presenting cells, pulsed with various amounts of antibodies fused with the 5H11 epitope from the EBV EBNA3C protein or with their respective heavy chain (HC). Antibodies tested are specific for CD21, CD19 and CD22. Positive controls include cells incubated with 5H11 peptide epitope, negative controls include anti-CD19, anti-CD21 or anti-CD22 antibodies devoid of antigens. Results are given in picograms IFN-gamma per ml.

FIG. 2: T cell assay performed either with EBV-transformed B cells (LCLs) or the Burkitt's lymphoma cell line AG876 used as antigen-presenting cells, and pulsed with various amounts of CD21-specific antibodies fused with the 3H10 epitope from the EBV EBNA3C protein. Positive controls include cells incubated with 3H10 peptide epitope, negative controls anti-CD21 antibodies devoid of 3H10 or 3H10 anti-CD21 fusion proteins devoid of light chain. Results are given in picograms IFN-gamma per ml.

FIG. 3: Treatment of EBV-transformed B cells (LCLs) and Burkitt's Lymphoma cell lines with polypeptides according to the invention comprising EBNA3C-3H10 leads to antigen presentation and efficient T cell activation. B cells were treated for 24 h with 1 ng B-cell targeted antibodies (αCD-21, -20, -19, and -22) loaded with EBNA3C epitope. Positive controls included cells pulsed with increasing amounts (1 ng-1 mg) of 3H10 peptide alone, and negative controls included either untreated cells, or cells pulsed with antibodies not containing the EBNA3C-3H10 epitope. Following treatment, B cells were mixed with EBN3C-3H10-specific T cell clones at a ratio of 1:2. After 24 h, secretion of IFNγ was measured by ELISA as an indicator of T cell activation. Results are given in pg/ml.

FIG. 4: Antigen presentation by polypeptides according to the invention comprising EBNA3C-3H10 results in peptide-specific cell killing by CD4+ T cells. LCLs were treated with EBNA3C-3H10-loaded αCD19 antibody (CD19-3H10 Ab; 1 ng and 10 ng), αCD19 antibody containing no epitope (CD19 Ab), or EBNA3C peptide, or were left untreated. These target cells were then labeled with ⁵¹Cr and co-incubated for 4 h with EBNA3C-3H10-specific effector T cells at an increasing effector:target ratio (1:1, 3:1, 6:1, 12:1, 25:1, 50:1). A ⁵¹Cr-release assay was performed to determine the % lysis of the target LCL population as a measure of specific cell killing.

FIG. 5: General schedule of MCMV infection, lymphoma cell delivery and antibody treatment for mouse experiments of Example 5.

The following Examples shall merely illustrate the invention. They shall not be construed, whatsoever, to limit the scope of the invention.

EXAMPLE 1

Antibodies against CD21, CD19 and CD22 were fused with an antigenic epitope (5H11) from the Epstein-Barr virus latent antigen EBNA3C. The fusion proteins were used to introduce the epitope into the endosome of B cells transformed by the Epstein-Barr virus (lymphoblastoid cell lines, LCLs). The pulsed B cells were then co-cultured with a T cell clone that is specific for the EBNA3C 5H11 epitope. T cell activation was assessed by measuring interferon-γ release in the supernatant.

LCLs directly incubated with the 5H11 epitope were used as positive controls. Antibody-5H11 fusion proteins devoid of light chains were used as negative controls, as were antibodies not fused with the epitopes.

1 ng of CD21-5H11 fusion proteins which carry 20 pg of 5H11 elicited an immune response comparable to the one obtained with 1 μg of peptide (FIG. 1). Therefore, the efficiency of antigen presentation on activated B cells was 50.000 times higher after fusion with CD21 antibody than with the epitope alone. Similar results were obtained with the CD 19, CD20, and CD22-specific antibodies. It is important to note that untreated EBV immortalized B cells cannot present 5H11 on the class II pathway.

EXAMPLE 2

LCLs and AG876, a Burkitt's lymphoma cell line, were used as antigen-presenting B cells and their respective abilities to present the 3H10 epitope from the EBNA3C protein fused to CD21-specific antibodies was determined by an interferon-γ release assay. 3H10 peptides alone provided a positive control, non-functional fusion proteins devoid of heavy or light chains, mock-treated antigen-presenting cells were taken as negative controls.

Both LCLs and AG876 presented 3H10 epitopes with a similar efficiency (FIG. 2). The AG876 presented 3H10 after incubation with the CD21 antibody-3H10 fusion protein less efficiently than LCLs but remained approximately 100 times more efficient than unconjugated 3H10. This relative decreased efficiency is consistent with defective antigen processing machinery in Burkitt's lymphoma cells. Nevertheless, the CD21 antibody-3H10 fusion protein elicited a potent immune response against the tumor cells.

EXAMPLE 2.1: FURTHER EVALUATING POLYPEPTIDES ACCORDING TO THE INVENTION IN EBV-TRANSFORMED B CELLS AND VARIOUS BURKITT'S LYMPHOMA CELLS LINES

A panel of antibodies loaded with various EBV epitopes has been generated. These have been evaluated for their ability to present antigen to peptide-specific T cells and to activate these T cells. In FIG. 3 is shown one example of treatment with a polypeptide according to the invention comprising an epitope from the EBNA3C protein. We were able to show that treatment with these polypeptides according to the invention results in specific T cell activation in LCLs and in several Burkitt's lymphoma cell lines.

EXAMPLE 2.2: DETERMINING THE POTENTIAL FOR T CELLS ACTIVATED BY TREATMENT WITH POLYPEPTIDES ACCORDING TO THE INVENTION TO KILL THEIR TARGET CELLS

Since polypeptides according to the invention can efficiently activate peptide-specific T cells, we wanted to determine whether these activated T cells are able to specifically kill the B cells presenting the epitopes from the immunogenic peptides. Here we performed ⁵¹Cr-release assays to demonstrate that the activated T cells can indeed kill their targets. FIG. 4 shows one example of this in LCLs.

EXAMPLE 2.3: IN VIVO STUDIES IN A MOUSE LYMPHOMA MODEL

A panel of polypeptides according to the invention in the form of “armed antibodies” containing T cell epitopes from common mouse pathogens are generated. B cell surface receptors CD-19, -20, -21 and -22, are targeted and the antibodies are coupled to the pp89 peptide, an immunodominant T cell epitope from the IE1 protein of mouse cytomegalovirus (MCMV). These antibodies are studied in the A20 model of mouse lymphoma. Injection of the A20 cell line into MCMV-positive BALB/c mice results in the development of disease that resembles human diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL).

The serostatus of the animals to MCMV is assessed by serology prior to the commencement of the study. Seronegative animals are infected with MCMV in order to ensure seroconversion and priming of T cells against the MCMV pp89 peptide. All animals are re-infected with the virus 4 weeks prior to i.v. challenge with A20 lymphoma cells (FIG. 5). At days 5 and 15 following lymphoma cell delivery, animals are treated with the recombinant AgAbs containing pp89 peptides. Mice are subsequently monitored for survival and tumour development for 120 days following lymphoma cell challenge. Mice are sacrificed when external signs of suffering are present (such as reduced mobility and altered behaviour), as per the guidelines recommended by the Society of Laboratory Animal Science (GV-SOLAS), or if no adverse symptoms appear, at 120 days following injection of cells. Refer to FIG. 5 for a schematic representation of this experimental schedule.

Molecular resonance imaging (MRI) is used in order to monitor tumour development at two time-points during the course of the study. MRI allows to both visualize the tumours and to perform volumetric analysis of the tumours. Imaging of all mice is performed when signs of tumour development are evident in the untreated group, and again prior to sacrifice. In addition, anatomical and histological examinations are performed upon sacrifice of the mice.

Using the experimental schedule outlined in FIG. 5, a panel of antibodies and treatment regimes is investigated. Firstly, antibodies against the full panel of B cell surface receptors, CD 19, -20, -21 and -22 are tested, using antibody and adjuvant (Poly I:C) co-treatment. Peptide-loaded and unloaded antibodies are compared in targeting these surface receptors. Tumour growth and animal survival are monitored as markers of treatment efficacy, and are compared relative to untreated control animals and animals without lymphoma. Further experiments include: i) determination of the most effective dose of antibody treatment; and ii) an evaluation of the efficacy of treatment with armed antibodies and CD20/rituximab co-injection. Indeed, antibodies directed against CD21 or CD19 have been found to evince low cytotoxic properties that could be instead provided by anti-CD20 antibodies and therefore combine two different angles of attack against the lymphoma cells.

Once a panel of antibodies has been tested in the A20 lymphoma model, studies are extended to other lymphoma models. This includes the BCL1 model in which BCL1 cells can induce a DLBCL-like or CLL-like lymphoma, depending on the route of inoculation (i.p. or i.v, respectively), and a Burkitt's lymphoma-like model using cells from B6-myc transgenic mice.

EXAMPLE 3

Presentation of microbial antigens at the surface of B lymphocyte cells elicits recognition and destruction through T cells specific to these antigens. These T cells are present in most individuals who were previously infected by common viruses, such as herpesviruses. Individuals with a chronic Hepatitis C or HIV infection carry an increased proportion of activated B cells that can efficiently present antigens (Moir and Fauci, 2009, Nat Rev Immunol; Sugalski, Rodriguez, Moir, Anthony, 2010, J. Immunology). These infectious agents have an intrinsic ability to modify their surface antigens and subsequently they are able to evolve faster than the host's immune system can adapt. As a result, infected patients cannot clear their infections.

To overcome this problem, a library of polypeptides is generated, comprising anti-CD21 antibodies coupled to a library of Hepatitis C antigens that are found in patients with a long-standing infection, which covers the spectrum of viral antigens that appear in the course of infection and include all stages of virus evolution. This antibody library is administered to patients with a recently acquired Hepatitis C and thus primes the patient's immune system against all possible virus variants and therefore enables their elimination.

The same method is applied to patients recently infected with HIV, using a library of HIV antigens that are found in patients with a long-standing infection, which covers the spectrum of viral antigens that appear in the course of infection and include all stages of virus evolution.

EXAMPLE 4

An antibody fusion protein is created, comprising an anti-CD21 antibody fused to an immunodominant peptide from a common viral or bacterial pathogen, for example EBNA3C from EBV, and produced according to conventional methods. The antibody fusion proteins are administered to patients suffering from B-cell lymphoma, where they are taken up by Lymphoma cells. The Lymphoma cells present the T-cell epitopes comprised in the EBNA3C peptide and thus activate EBNA3C-specific T-cells, which in turn eliminate the presenting Lymphoma cells. CD4+ T cells can also act as ‘cytotoxic’ T cells to orchestrate the killing of target cells. There is also the possibility of cross-presentation to CD8+ T cells.

EXAMPLE 5

An antibody fusion protein is created, comprising an anti-CD22 antibody fused to myelin basic protein (MBP). The fusion protein is applied to patients at a high dose. Thus, tolerance to MBP is induced and thus progression of Multiple Sclerosis is reduced. 

The invention claimed is:
 1. A polypeptide comprising: (a) a binding peptide that binds to at least one protein selected from the group consisting of CD22, CD19, and CD20; and (b) an immunogenic peptide comprising at least one T-cell epitope, wherein the immunogenic peptide comprises at least one T-cell epitope from a latent gene of Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV), and wherein the T-cell epitope is an MHC class II epitope.
 2. The polypeptide of claim 1, wherein the binding peptide is an antibody.
 3. The polypeptide of claim 1, wherein the binding peptide is a single-chain antibody.
 4. The polypeptide of claim 1, wherein at least a part of the binding peptide is contiguous in amino acid sequence with the immunogenic peptide or with an adapter binding the immunogenic peptide.
 5. The polypeptide of claim 1, wherein the polypeptide induces immunization of a subject against B-cell hyperproliferation.
 6. The polypeptide of claim 1, wherein the polypeptide, when administered to the subject, activates CD4+ T cells specific for the T cell epitope in the subject.
 7. The polypeptide of claim 1, wherein the T-cell epitope is an amino acid sequence comprised in a protein selected from the group consisting of EBV proteins EBNA2, LMP1, EBNA3A, EBNA3B and EBNA3C.
 8. A polypeptide comprising: (a) a binding peptide that binds to at least one protein selected from the group consisting of CD22, CD19, CD20, and CD21; and (b) an immunogenic peptide comprising at least one T-cell epitope, wherein the immunogenic peptide comprises at least one T-cell epitope from a latent gene of Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV), and wherein the T-cell epitope is an MHC class II epitope, wherein the T-cell epitope consists of the amino acid sequence of EBNA3C-3H10 peptide (SEQ ID NO:43) and/or the EBNA3C-5H11 peptide.
 9. A polypeptide comprising: (a) a binding peptide that binds to CD22, wherein the binding peptide is a mouse anti-human CD22 antibody comprising a heavy chain variable fragment encoded by SEQ ID NO:39; and a light chain variable fragment encoded by SEQ ID NO:40; and (b) an immunogenic peptide comprising at least one T-cell epitope, wherein the immunogenic peptide comprises at least one T-cell epitope from a latent gene of Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV), and wherein the T-cell epitope is an MHC class II epitope.
 10. The polypeptide of claim 8, wherein the fusion polypeptide comprises an anti-CD22 heavy chain fused to the EBNA3C-5H11 epitope.
 11. The polypeptide of claim 8, wherein the fusion polypeptide comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 35 and/or is encoded by the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:23. 